86th Legislative Session has arrived

 

“The road to perdition has ever been accompanied by lip service to an ideal.” Albert Einstein

 

Last Tuesday, the 86th Legislature officially began.   With a large number of new faces, in both the House and Senate, THCA staff, consultants and members have already begun meeting with new incoming members as well as continuing to visit with long term members.  Success however, will require a commitment and engagement from membership and the long term care profession in Texas that outperforms previous sessions.  We have to be “all in”!

Your assistance and involvement here in Austin and back home in your communities is a critical component of our effectiveness.   Scot Kibbe, Director, Government Relations, is coordinating with members to schedule dates for Capitol visits.  If you have not signed up, please contact Scot (skibbe@txhca.org or 512.458.1257) and let him know when you can be in Austin.  We can never have too many volunteers and active/engaged members.  Let your legislators hear from you!

Below is the list of the legislative priorities; however, for a more comprehensive review, please visit the THCA website under “Legislative Priorities”

  • Solve the nursing home Medicaid funding shortfall to enhance quality care
  • Improve the Medicaid Star+Plus Program for nursing home providers and residents
  • Make the survey process in nursing homes fairer and more efficient
  • Stop unnecessary regulations that make providing quality care more difficult
  • Preserve Tort Reform Protections

I was reminded of your commitment last month, beyond just talk, when AHCA informed us that 109 facilities from Texas applied for the 2019 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award, making Texas one of the highest in the country. I was reminded of your commitment to quality last month when the updated numbers about the use Antipsychotics was released and Texas leads the nation in most improvement since 2012!  Your actions are speaking louder than words, and that is why I’m confident that you will show up en masse and engage your legislators like never before. Continue your resolve, and continue to give your best to those you serve across Texas.  Commit to working together and speaking as one for the benefit of the tens of thousands counting on you.

My best to all of you this 2019!

Onward and Upward